Deputy Minister of Education, John Ntim Fordjour, has issued a rallying call for African states to take full advantage of the fourth industrial revolution, urging universities to be at the forefront of this transformation.
Speaking at the 2024 QS Africa Forum hosted at the UPSA campus, Mr Fordjour emphasised that Africa cannot afford to be left behind as the world undergoes rapid technological advancements.
“We are in the fourth industrial revolution. The first three revolutions passed by without Africa taking an active part in them,” Mr. Fordjour stated.
He called on higher education institutions to lead the charge by ensuring that their curriculums, research output and teaching methodologies are realigned to meet the demands of a digital and technologically driven world.
“How do we reposition our curriculum, instructions, and research so that the youth graduating from our institutions do not merely hold certificates, diplomas, and degrees, but are prepared to seamlessly enter the workforce without needing years of retraining?” he asked.
Mr. Fordjour pointed to the need for all graduates to be equipped with digital literacy, regardless of their field of study.
He stressed that digital skills, including artificial intelligence, technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT), should be part of the core competencies for every graduate, not just those in computer science.
“We want to ensure that every student who graduates is literate in digital skills. The concepts of artificial intelligence, technology, and the Internet of Things should not be strange to them.
“Computer literacy must become the new normal and not the reserve of a few,” Mr. Fordjour said, stressing the importance of raising a generation of graduates who are well-prepared to contribute to Africa’s growth and participation in the global digital evolution.
The Deputy Minister who is also the Member of Parliament for Assin South, reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing access to education while ensuring that students gain the relevant skills needed to thrive in the modern economy.
He urged other African states to follow suit by making significant investments in education and positioning their universities to lead in technological innovation and digital transformation.
The QS Africa Forum 2024 brought together higher education leaders, researchers, policymakers, students, and industry leaders from across the globe.
The two-day global conference was under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Youth: Integrating Entrepreneurship, Future Skills, and AI/Technology in Education for a Sustainable Future.
